Lesson-PenTool

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Vector Graphics and the Pen Tool

Standards:
Visual Art:

CTE:

NETS:

Objective:
Use the Pen tool (in Photoshop or Flash) to create straight lines and curved lines.
Describe how to create straight lines and curved lines using the Pen Tool
Use the Pen tool to trace an image

DLTs
Students WBAT use the Pen tool in Photoshop (or Flash) which they will demonstrate by:
  • Completing an exercise where they draw straight lines and curves (View PNG or Download PSD or Download FLA - Studio 8)
  • Creating a variety of complex shapes which will be checked on screen (star, football, "m" shape, cloud, heart, pointed dome, etc...)
  • Tracing an image and turing it into a vector illustration

Students will describe how to use the Pen tool in graphics software to draw straight lines and curves.

Pen tool vocabulary

  • Vector graphics or illustration
  • Object
  • Path or vector path
  • Line segment
  • Pen tool
  • Direct selection tool (PS) white arrow or Sub Selection Tool (Flash)
  • Click (prior knowledge but critical for understanding how the Pen Tool works)
  • Control+Click
  • Click and drag (prior knowledge but critical for understanding how the Pen Tool works)
  • Alt+Click
  • Anchor point
  • Adjustment point
  • Adjustment handle

Teaching the Pen tool

  1. NOTES - What is a vector graphic? (gDoc from Fall 2011)
    -Vocabulary
    -How does it compare to a bitmap?
  2. NOTES - How does the Pen tool work?
    -More Vocabulary and picture of parts of a vector curve (in context)
  3. Teacher Led Practice - Pen tool exercise - Straight lines
  4. Independent practice of various straight line shapes (crown, star, etc...)
    -This is a good time to show the Direct Selection tool or the Sub Selection Tool (AKA the white arrow)
  5. Accountable Talk - students use Academic Language to:
    -Describe how to make straight lines to a partner, partner describe to me.Emphasize use of vocabulary (click, anchor point, line segment) and use of functional language
  6. NOTES: Write down how to make straight lines
  7. Teacher Led Practice - Pen tool exercise exercise - curves
  8. Independent practice of various curved line shaped (hill, circle, "S" curve, etc...)
  9. Accountable Talk - students use Academic Language to:
    -Describe how to make curve lines to a partner, partner describe to me.
    -Emphasize use of vocabulary (click and drag, anchor point, adjustment handle) and use of functional language
  10. NOTES: Write down how to make curves
  11. Teacher Led Practice - using Alt to "Break" adjustment handles
  12. Independent practice of various curved line shapes with points or "broken" adjustment handles (football, "m" shape, cloud, heart, pointed dome, etc...)
  13. NOTES: Write down how to make an "m" shape
    -Emphasize use of vocabulary (click and drag, anchor point, Alt+Click, adjustment handle) and use of functional language
  14. Quiz - Students use the Pen tool to make various assigned shapes.
  15. Project - Students use the Pen tool to trace an image.